Why listen to ”Frosty, the Snowman” or “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” when you can enjoy holiday jingles from a post -pubescent Justin Timberlake or from a Jewish comedian-turned-singer?
I’ve shared six of my favorite holiday hits with you – all great for your post-Christmas, workout playlist or for you to play in the background while you entertain guests!
“All I Want For Christmas is YOOOOOOOU”
As a child, I memorized and belted out countless traditional hymns in a never-ending string of local Christmas play appearances. “What Child is This” and “Little Town of Bethlehem” are cherished and sacred songs, but they’re not exactly racking up the most points for most entertaining holiday songs. So when Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album was released in ‘94, I was thrilled to know that Christmas music could actually be fun!
The best part about the Merry Christmas album is that there’s something for everyone’s listening pleasure. You can sing along to classics like “O, Holy Night,” or rock out to the upbeat “All I Want For Christmas is You.”
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album = the trendiest thing since Santa.
Hip Hop Holiday
If you’re a hip hop head, it’s not officially the holiday season until you’ve heard Run DMC’s, “Christmas in Hollis.” Sporting Starter jackets, oversized gold chains, and fresh sneakers, Run, DMC, and Jam-Master Jay help make the holidays hip.
Happy Holidays from NSync
From Justin Timberlake’s frosted tips to Gary Coleman’s cameo as an elf, NSync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” video might be the cheesiest holiday video ever. But we love our boy bands, so they get a pass!
And if I had to choose a boy band from the late 90s to deliver presents to me on Christmas, I would totally choose NSync to do the job.
“A Very Special Christmas For Me…”
First recorded and made popular by Donny Hathaway, “This Christmas” is my all time favorite Christmas song. The first few bars alone can get even the most impossible Scrooge into the holiday spirit. While my affinity will always be for Mr. Hathaway’s original version, Chris Brown’s cover does this cheerful holiday song justice.
“Once Again It’s Hanukkah!”
We thought Elmo N’ Patsy’s, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” was comedy, but that was about 17 years before Adam Sandler released his side-splitting, “Chanukah Song” series. Some of the most humorous holiday music in recent years, in the 3 song series, Sandler pays homage to the Jewish faith while shouting out famous Jewish entertainers.
Folks, put on your yarmulkes!
Christmas Classic
Definitely have never roasted chestnuts over an open fire, but listening to Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song” makes me want to do just that! “The Christmas Song” has stood the test of time as one of the classiest, most heart-warming carols ever to be recorded.
And you have to love the charming way Nat King Cole sings the lyrics as if he’s personally telling you a Christmas story!
Have A Safe & Happy Holiday Season!
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